Metaplanet, a notable player in Japan's investment market, is gaining attention with its significant Bitcoin investment. Amid Japan's economic challenges, the company sees Bitcoin as a hedge against instability.
Buying Bitcoin: Strategy and Approach
Since April 2024, Metaplanet has been aggressively increasing its Bitcoin holdings, making the cryptocurrency its primary treasury reserve. It started with acquiring 117.7 BTC for $7.19 million. Later, the company decided to borrow $6.8 million from MMXX Ventures for further purchases. In October, it bought another 156 BTC for $10 million, accounting for about 19% of the company's total market value.
New ¥1.75 Billion Bonds
Metaplanet announced issuing ¥1.75 billion ($11.8 million) in bonds with a low interest rate of 0.36% to further invest in Bitcoin. Every bond was picked up by EVO FUND, indicating investor support for this risky strategy. The bonds are not directly collateralized, but there's a first priority mortgage on the Royal Oak Gotanda Hotel, owned by the subsidiary Wen Tokyo Inc.
Future of the Company: What's Next?
Metaplanet continues its Bitcoin investment strategy. The question remains: will this help the company withstand Japan's economic challenges, or will market volatility create additional challenges? The company has to prove the viability of its strategy.
Currently, Metaplanet is betting big on Bitcoin. Regardless of the outcome, this story is one to watch.